Harbinger Renegade #1 review

The first issue of this new series does everything an introduction to a universe should do, and more. It comes with an extremely useful prologue that tells us everything we need to know about the state of the world that we’re about to enter. It then brings along all it’s main players and introduces them to the audience without making it glaringly obvious or boring for existing readers of the story. What’s great about this issue is that it isn’t afraid to be brutal and unforgiving in a way to ground the audience.

With inclusions from characters like Faith, this story is already off to a great start. The main bulk of the plot follows Jay, a young Psiot who is pursued by both Renegades and the NSA/the Harada Foundation. So whilst one half the story is gritty superhero drama, the other feels like a young adult coming-of-age plot. And whilst stereotypically, that shouldn’t work in the slightest – Harbinger Renegade #1 does so with ease. Some of the themes that the issue plays with, like surveillance and paranoia feel very relevant given certain current affairs – Valiant have their finger on the pulse.

The issue leads off in an interesting way, bringing back an older character from previous Renegade stories, and his introduction is visually stunning. Cast against the backdrop of space, it’s hard not to be impressed by the artwork by Valiant. In fact, the entire issue is visually impressive. It manages to hit you hard during it’s tragic moments, but helps bring the heart and soul of Jay and his father to life. Overall, Harbinger Renegade #1 is a comic that you shouldn’t miss out on, regardless of whether you’re familiar with the Valiant Universe or not. This is the perfect place to start.